President's Report for December 15, 2025

I truly love this work and the role the Chamber plays in shaping the future of our region. Every day, our team has the opportunity to bring together businesses from across our community and work alongside public partners to make sure the business voice is part of the conversation as important decisions are made. It is meaningful work, and it is a privilege to do it alongside people who care deeply about Wilmington’s long-term success.

That shared passion is reflected in our Board of Directors who represent a broad cross-section of our local economy and generously contribute their time, insight, and leadership to help move our community forward. I am excited to welcome several new board members in 2026 who bring fresh perspectives and a strong commitment to our business community:

• Jennifer Adams, Corning Incorporated
• Roy Badillo, US Cellular
• Ryan Bisplinghoff, Clancy & Theys Construction Company
• Dr. Umar Bowers, Dawson Med Primary & Urgent Care
• Zachary Brigman, Harmony Hospitality (Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront)
• Pam Hardy, Duke Energy
• Mark Moon, GE Aerospace
• Brad Neigel, Live Oak Bank

We are also thrilled to welcome Ernie Bovio of Novant Health as Treasurer beginning in 2026. Ernie will begin moving through our Executive Committee leadership roles and is slated to serve as Board Chair in 2029, ensuring continuity and strong leadership for years to come.

We also accepted the resignation of Chakema Clinton-Quintana following her election to Wilmington City Council. I want to personally congratulate Chakema on this important milestone and thank her for the time and leadership she shared with the Chamber. I look forward to continuing to work with her in her new role, especially on issues that matter to small businesses and our local economy.

Over the past two weeks, I’ve been especially proud of the way the Chamber brought leaders together from across business and government to focus on Wilmington’s long-term direction. We convened a small, strategic group of senior leaders for our Community Leadership Planning Conference, followed by our Economic Summit & Executive Leadership Outlook, which welcomed more than 300 business, government, and community leaders.

The Community Leadership Planning Conference created space for candid, forward-looking conversations about the decisions that will shape our region’s future. We heard thoughtful insights from Kit Cramer, President & CEO of the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, and futurist Rebecca Ryan, alongside valuable briefings from New Hanover County, the City of Wilmington Planning Department, WMPO, CFPUA, and New Hanover County Schools. The dialogue and feedback shared during these sessions will help inform our work moving forward.

At the Economic Summit & Executive Leadership Outlook, several themes rose to the top, including workforce development, infrastructure investment, housing supply, and the need for disciplined, long-range planning. As we look ahead to 2026, strong alignment between the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County will be essential to sustaining growth and remaining competitive. The Chamber will continue to show up as a trusted advocate, convener, and partner as these important conversations continue.